Heitkamp confident, Berg not conceding ND Senate race

By DALE WETZEL, Associated Press

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The highest-profile race in North Dakota remains undecided with a tight finish in the Senate race between Democrat Heidi Heitkamp and Republican Rick Berg.

Heitkamp said early Wednesday that she believes she's won the race to replace retiring Democrat Kent Conrad.

Heitkamp was about 3,000 votes ahead of Berg in unofficial returns, a difference so small - less than 1 percent - that The Associated Press did not call the race.

Berg can demand a recount, and his campaign spokesman says he's not conceding until North Dakota counties certify their vote totals. That process takes about a week.

If Heitkamp wins she'll be the first woman elected to represent North Dakota in either the U.S. Senate or House.